THALES : Scorpion Multi-Role Armoured Vehicle contract awarded to Nexter, RTD and Thales

Varces, December 5, 2014 - On the occasion of its visit in the 27th Mountain Infantry Brigade Artillery of Varces (Isère), Jean-Yves LE DRIAN, Minister of Defence, handed the EBMR (Armoured Multi-roles vehicles) market to the CEOs of the GME (temporary consortium) formed by the French companies Nexter Systems, Renault Trucks Defense and Thales. Prepared by the Armament Procurement Agency (DGA), this market plans the development, the manufacturing and the support of the EBMR of the SCORPION program.

Under the EBMR contract, the Multi-Role Armoured Vehicle GRIFFON and Reconnaissance and Combat Armoured Vehicle JAGUAR will replace respectively on the one hand the VAB, and on the other hand, the AMX10RC, the ERC Sagaie and the VAB Hot, produced in the 70s and 80s and used extensively by the French Army in all theaters of operation for thirty years.

The contract covers all phases of an armament program, from development to unit logistical support through the qualification and production of systems. The GME is committed to the integral performance of the equipment in the long term as well as the operational availability of vehicles in service.

The state of the art innovation and know-how developed by the three companies in the GME in the domains of mobility, protection, weapons and digitization will be integrated in the first SCORPION-approved systems. The effect on the ground for future joint tactical groups (GTIA) equipped with SCORPION EBMR systems will be greatly increased with regard to the previous generation.

This program has a structuring effect for Nexter, RTD and Thales as well as for the French industrial sector that will be nourished by the subcontracting orders from the GME. It will create a thousand jobs in its development phase and 1,700 jobs in its production phase.

Almost 2,000 vehicles, and all associated logistical support equipment, will be delivered to forces from 2018.

About Nexter Systems

Nexter applies its expertise in land defence systems to meet the needs of the French army and other forces internationally. The scope of its business includes the supply of weapons systems and munitions for Army, Air Force, Navy and law enforcement applications. In 2013 Nexter reported revenue of Euros 787 million, of which 18% were allocated to Research & Development. The range of products offered by Nexter includes: Artillery systems CAESAR®, TRAJAN and, 105LG, Leclerc main battle tank, VBCI Infantry combat vehicle, ARAVIS® highly protected armoured vehicle, TITUS®, Nexter new armored 6x6, BONUS smart ammunition, all backed up by customer service, support and recycling.

For more information:www.nexter-group.fr

About Renault Trucks Defense

RENAULT TRUCKS Defense develops and manufactures a full range of armored, tactical and logistics vehicles from 7.9 to 42 t. It is a legacy supplier to the French armed forces with almost all the trucks in service and numerous armored vehicles. It also supplies the complete 8x8 driveline of the French Army's 630 VBCI infantry fighting vehicles and the special chassis of the Caesar® from Nexter Systems, a 155 mm self-propelled howitzer. RENAULT TRUCKS Defense's customer portfolio also includes more than 65 other countries. 5,000 VAB Mk1 APCs have been sold worldwide so far, while new models such as the SHERPA LIGHT 4x4 tactical vehicle have already secured their first export contracts.

About Thales

Thales is a global technology leader in the Aerospace, Transportation and Defence & Security markets. In 2013, the company generated revenues of €14.2 billion with 65,000 employees in 56 countries. With its 25,000 engineers and researchers, Thales has a unique capability to design, develop and deploy equipment, systems and services that meet the most complex security requirements. Thales has an exceptional international footprint, with operations around the world working with customers and local partners.

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